NFL Teams Finalize Cuts Ahead of 2025 Season

With the start of the 2025 NFL season just a week away, teams were busy on Tuesday finalizing their rosters. Each of the league’s 32 teams had to cut their rosters down from 90 players to the final 53 players. This day, often referred to as cut day, saw a staggering 1,184 players released from their contracts.

For players with fewer than four years of service in the league, being cut means they hit waivers. The Tennessee Titans, having the top claim priority in the waiver order, will have the first opportunity to pick any players who have been waived. Claims must be made by noon ET on Wednesday. Players with over four years of experience become unrestricted free agents upon release.

Some noteworthy moves include the Carolina Panthers signing former Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker to their practice squad. Hooker, who was a third-round pick in 2023, will now compete with Bryce Young and Andy Dalton. The Panthers added a total of 14 new players to their practice squad to enhance their depth.

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed quarterback Brett Rypien, adding him to their existing lineup with Joe Burrow and Jake Browning. Meanwhile, Clyde Edwards-Helaire found his way back to the Kansas City Chiefs‘ practice squad after being released by the New Orleans Saints.

The Dallas Cowboys bolstered their secondary by picking up safety Trikweze Bridges and cornerback Reddy Steward. Additionally, the New England Patriots claimed quarterback Tommy DeVito, giving him a chance to learn under Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs.

With each team making moves to finalize their rosters, the NFL is preparing for a busy start to the season. As teams make final adjustments, fans can expect to see which talents will make the cut and which players will continue their careers elsewhere.

Stay tuned for more updates as the waiver process unfolds and the teams get set to kick off another exciting year of football.